Hopefully, you're all recovered from the antics of this past weekend, whether you celebrated 4/20, binged Netflix's Baby Reindeer or went to your aunt's birthday dinner at Donato where you ate so much pizza that the button popped off your pants at the table (oh wait, that last one was me). But that's all in the past because it's time to delve into the week ahead.
THINGS TO KNOW
🌸 MAGNOLIAS ARE BLOOMING
Pretty pink flower season is pretty much here. While we'll probably have to wait another 10 days or so to see local cherry blossom trees bloom (according to McGill University plant science professor David Wees), gorgeous magnolia trees have started sprouting flowers all around town. You can use this
Public Trees of Montreal map to track them down.
🏟️ WIN $15K FOR YOUR OPINION ON THE OLYMPIC STADIUM'S ROOF
The Olympic Park has launched a contest, calling for ideas on how to reuse parts of the Olympic Stadium's old roof once it's dismantled to make way for a new one. The winners will not only get glory, but also a hefty sum of cash. There are four $15,000 prizes available for industry pros and four $5,000 prizes available for students. The
mandatory registration deadline is May 31.
🚧 HEADACHES ON AUTOROUTE 520 (CÔTE-DE-LIESSE)
As of April 22, major reconstruction begins on the A-520 overpasses above avenue 43e, lasting until the end of 2025. The project will be carried out in two phases beginning with the service road overpasses in both directions. Expect closures along avenue 43e as well as lane closures on the A-520 in both directions. The Government of Quebec has
more info and a map on its website.
WEATHER
After a rollercoaster of a week, it looks like the wishy-washy weather is set to continue. What else could we expect from Montreal in April? Be prepared for a weekly daytime high of 20 degrees on Sunday and a low of -5 degrees on Wednesday night. If it makes you feel any better, on April 25 of 1962, Montrealers saw 5 centimetres of snow hit the ground so keep that glass half full.
☀️ Expect a lot of Sun this week — Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Due to increasing clouds on Tuesday (17 C), Friday seems the nicest overall with its clear skies and high of 15 C.
☔ Bring an umbrella on Wednesday and plan for a rainy weekend, too, with a chance of showers Saturday and Sunday.
💨 As of Monday,
Air quality was sitting at a "low risk" level two.
You can find the full 7-day forecast on the Environment Canada website. Predictions are subject to frequent change.
STAFF PICKS
Your guide to #NoFomo.
👀 WHAT TO WATCH
Fallout (Amazon Prime Video)
"Considering that the only video games I ever play involve Mario and Luigi, I'd never even heard of Fallout until my colleague recommended the TV show to me (in case you're as dense as I am, the show is based on the video game franchise). I was looking for a series that would fully immerse me in a different reality and Fallout delivered beyond expectation. Set in California in the year 2296, approximately 200 years after a nuclear war, Fallout makes watching humanity devolve into a desolate, post-apocalyptic wasteland as fun as it is thought-provoking. From what I've heard, Fallout players will be pleased with the way the game has been adapted. Warning: there is a lot of violence. As a bonus, once you finish watching (or if you've already binged it and can't get enough), Sofia Misenheimer has put together an epic list of Montreal spots that will make you feel like you're living in the Fallout Universe." — Ilana Belfer, Senior Writer, MTL Blog (that's me!)
🍽️ WHAT TO EAT & DRINK
Barri Café
"Located in Sainte-Thérèse, around 30 minutes by car from Montreal, Barri Café is an ideal spot if you’re looking for a quick coffee pick me up, delish Lebanese-inspired dishes or a place to work remotely. I highly recommend their labneh toast and
flat pistachio croissant. The café has reserve-ready pods for you to work in, all while having access to Barri’s digital menu. The highlight of the experience? Your food is brought to you by the Barri-bot, a robo-server that gives the eatery/workspace a real Fallout vibe." — Mike Chaar, Assistant Editor, MTL Blog
🎲 WHAT TO DO
OASIS Immersion
"The newest OASIS Immersion exhibit, Root for Nature, was created with National Geographic and brings distant worlds to your doorstep. You can stand in life-size projections of the globe's most remote destinations and encounter wildlife up close. Each room transports you into rainforests, deserts, and underwater scenes with stunning clarity and detail. It's a relaxing, rainy day activity that lets you enter awe-inspiring environments. It's also
totally accessible." — Sofia Misenheimer, Editor, MTL Blog
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE:
- Jacob Collier with Kimbra (Tuesday at Place Bell): There are still tickets available to see six-time Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter Jacob Collier in concert. If marvelling at the 29-year-old prodigy's musical prowess isn't enticing enough, Kimbra is set to join him. Yes, the same Kimbra who was featured on "Somebody That I Used to Know," a 2011 hit by Gotye that every Millennial can probably still sing along to.
- Bagel Burlesque (Friday and Saturday at Le Studio TD): "You're as likely to see horror meet vaudeville in a spine-tingling comedic routine as the peep of a pasty," writes Sofia Misenheimer of downtown Montreal's upcoming neo-burlesque festival. The event brings world-class talent to town for performances and workshops that blend sassy stripteases with nerdy humour and body positivity.
- TSwift Dance Party: The Tortured Poets Department (Sunday at Le Belmont): Celebrate the release of the biggest pop star in the world's latest album by "dancing through ALL her iconic Eras," as the event description puts it. Event organizers say you should expect "a room full of fellow Swifties scream-singing to Taylor Swift hits and deep cuts." Costumes and signs are welcome, and proceeds go to charity.
JOB SPOTLIGHT
La Mauricie National Park in Quebec, Canada. Julen Arabaolaza | Dreamstime
Parks Canada is hiring students and temporary workers to help support its 38 national parks across the country for the summer of 2024. You could earn as much as $30 an hour plus benefits, and no degree is required. Apply by April 30.
APPLY HERE
ICYMI: Last week's top story
Nicki Minaj was nearly 3 hours late for her Montreal concert at Centre Bell
Nicki Minaj leaving her hotel room wearing a neon yellow coat and a pink bag. Right: The interior of Centre Bell during Nicki Minaj's concert.@nickiminaj | Instagram, @nickiminaj | Instagram
In the wee hours of Thursday morning, MTL Blog assistant editor Mike Chaar found himself tossing and turning in bed. He pulled up TikTok, only to find video after video of local Nicki Minaj stans freaking out. Minaj hadn't yet shown up for her performance at Montreal's Bell Centre, which was scheduled for Wednesday at 11 p.m. In addition to his cup of sleepytime tea, Chaar also got the tea on why the rapper showed up nearly three hours late. Was it a happy ending for The Barbz? Thanks to Chaar's poor sleep hygiene (sorry Mike, but we simply cannot endorse screens and dopamine at 2 a.m.), we were lucky enough to find out.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
POLL
Raise your hand if you're craving a Spicy Deluxe Sandwich and waffle fries right now. Between Chick-fil-A, Panda Express, Dunkin' Donuts and Panera Bread, 64.1% of you voted for Chick-fil-A as the U.S. restaurant chain you want to come to Montreal. If you're curious about the reasoning behind people's votes, head to X (formerly Twitter) to read the replies.
PUB TRIVIA (AT HOME)
Brought to you by Quizmaster Brian
🎉 Last week's answer:
penjamin
🤔 This week's question: Based on Hindu tradition, experiencing what on your wedding day is good luck?
Tune in next week for the answer and a new question!
Thanks for reading Montreal This Week. What did you like (or dislike) about today's edition? And what other information do you need to start your week off right? You can reach me with all feedback at ilana.belfer@mtlblog.com.
La Mauricie National Park in Quebec, Canada. 
Nicki Minaj leaving her hotel room wearing a neon yellow coat and a pink bag. Right: The interior of Centre Bell during Nicki Minaj's concert.